[pianotech] Restringing at Lower Tension

[Encore Pianos]

Thanks for the correction, Del.  Having read your previous post, I think
that your idea is a far better way to approach it.

Will

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Delwin D Fandrich
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 3:11 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Restringing at Lower Tension

The problem with this suggestion (below) is that changing just a couple of
unisons will not change the overall loading on the soundboard appreciably.
Nor will it duplicate the change to the system stiffness that will result
from an overall lowering of string tensions.

ddf

Delwin D Fandrich
Piano Design & Fabrication
6939 Foothill Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA Phone  360.515.0119 —
Cell  360.388.6525 del at fandrichpiano.com — ddfandrich at gmail.com


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Encore Pianos
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:05 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Restringing at Lower Tension

Here's my suggestion:  Since the piano is to be rebuilt anyway, ask him to
allow you to restring several notes at the stepped down wire size.  The
problem areas are the best choice, say the last plain wire in the low tenor
where the tensions are falling off anyway and would be most likely to
develop tonal warts from this change, and in the upper treble area of which
David speaks.  Space 2 or 3 notes in between.  

The advantage of this method is that you are only changing one thing, the
wire sizes.  No downbearing changes or any of the other vagaries that come
with pulling a plate and putting it back in.  No new hammers and the tonal
changes they bring.  The new wire will sound sweeter, but will it otherwise
be diminished in tone color by the lower tension?  He'll pay you for your
time, and it's as close to apples to apples as we can get.  If he decides to
go ahead then, the onus is fully on him and your back is covered.  If he
does not like it, you saved him thousands of dollars and disappointment, and
your relationship is preserved.